1st InternationaL

Congress

Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Child Sexual Exploitation

From 20 to 22 November, 2024 | Rollins College – Rice Family Pavilion

From 20 to 22 November, 2024
Rollins College – Rice Family Pavilion

About HumanX 2024

The Congress, organized by the Hope & Justice Foundation, will be a historic milestone for the State of Florida and the American nation. With the proposed bill to include psychological and property violence in Florida’s domestic violence law, the legal system will be on a par with the most advanced legislation in the world, such as Brazil’s “Maria da Penha” law. The laws of a democratic and modern country must keep pace with advances in the humanities and social sciences in order to effectively serve justice by granting the rights expected.

The 1st International Congress on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Child Sexual Abuse is scheduled for November 20th, 21st, and 22nd in Orlando. This event will bring together some of the most important and respected figures from legal, medical, social, and political sciences for an extraordinary scientific debate on the harmful effects of psychological and economic domestic violence on the victim’s mental, physical, and economic health, as well as the negative impact on public health, economy, security, and education.

Speakers

Anna Alves-Lazaro

Dr. Anna Alves-Lázaro

Lawyer, Founder and CEO Hope & Justice Foundation, Activist and Defender of human rights, Creator of the Congress Human X

Senator Damares Alves

Damares is a Brazilian senator, lawyer and evangelical pastor. She was Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022.

Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd

Professor, Executive Director, UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking; Program Director, Rosen Professional Internships at University of Central Florida / Associate Lecturer, Tourism & Events

Thalyta Oliveira

Architect, founder of THOL Arquitetura, a Minas Gerais office that breathes creativity and passion for projects that inspire. THOL stands out for combining design and functionality, transforming dreams into realities. She believes that architecture has the power to positively impact people's lives, and is dedicated to delivering projects that bring comfort, well — being and improve the quality of life.

Bianca Toledo

Mrs. Bianca Toledo

Singer, theologian, postgraduate in Psychology and Psychoanalysis, postgraduate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and master's student in clinical counseling at the Florida Christian University — FCU

Dr. Acilina Candeia

Businesswoman, activist, pedagogue, and teacher

Luiza Brunet

Luiza Brunet

Actress, ambassador for the Hope & Justice Foundation and human rights activist focus on domestic violence

Mr. Toma s J. Lares

B.A. Psychology; B.A. Bible; Minor in Missions Founder/President of United Abolitionists, Inc. & building the Abolitionist Training & Learning Center

Dr. Rafael Santos Cesar

Dr. Rafael Santos Cesar

Attorney at Law of Immigration and Refugee Affairs

Dr. Eloy Pereira Lemos Júnior

Professor with expertise on Human Rights

Dr. Eliane Schlicht - Farias

Psychologist and Mental Health Counsel. Outreach Adult Advocate Supervisor at Women In Distress of Broward County

MSW. Seyny Dressler

Senior Director of Anti — Trafficking Operation FL — One more Child and Program Director at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

Dr. Cleyde Crofoot

Crofoot is a Licensed Christian Clinical Counselor that holds BA, Master, and PhD in Psychology /Counselor from Florida Christian University, Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing (BSN) from Universidade Catolica de Salvador, Bacharel (BA) in History from Universidade Catolica de Salvador, and Mental Health Coaching from Light University. She’s also certified in The Science of Happiness from Berkeley, EMDR Certified, Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Level I. Dr. Crofoot, has over 25 years of experience in Health Education, Psychology/Counselor, and Human Development. Professor, at the Florida Christian University, she opened My Whole Health Life, LLC., Counseling Center. Dr. Crofoot is a volunteer for Hope & Justice Foundation, we help people from Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. Dr. Crofoot, wrote an Educational Book for children and parents. Anger HoneyBear.

Vanessa do MILA

Survivor of child sexual violence, founder of MILA — Instituto Movimento Infância Livre de Abusos, writer and author of the book O ESCURO ME ABRAÇA, speaker, effective member of the Parliamentary Commission named “Together against Pedophilia” at Legislative House of Minas Gerais- Brazil. Participated in the working group for Bill 3.890/2020 – Victims Statute.

Diego Campos Moura de Melo

Lawyer and university professor in London

Lana Braga

Bachelor of Law and specialist in Domestic Violence. President of the Municipal Council for Women's Rights. Founder and CEO of “Instituto Maria na Comunidade”. Involved in the fight against domestic violence and the search for gender equity.

Ambassador João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida

Ambassador João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida was the director of the Department of Human Rights and Social Policy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil (2019 — 2 — 23). As a career diplomat for almost thirty years, he has served in several posts, including the Permanent Missions of Brazil to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. Assistant to Mission of Brazil to UNESCO in Paris and Head od Multilateral Section at the Embassy of Brazil in London. Ambassador João Lucas, graduated in Economics and obtained master's degrees in International Relations from the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and from the London School of Economics (LSE).

DR. Patrícia Luiza Moutinho Zapponi

Lawyer specialized in crimes committed in families, former undersecretary for combating violence against women in the Federal District, Brazil. President of the international victim protection network Laço Branco Brasil, President of the international Soroptimist Club Brasília Norte Sul, vice president of Global unity woman, president of the commission on the rights of people with disabilities in Samambaia, Brazil, president of the religious freedom commission of the OAB of Samambaia, President of the Women's Council of Novo Gama, Director of the Brazilian Academy of History, Geography and Literature, specialist in International Human Trafficking from The “Road international”. Also, a speaker, consultant and writer, master in Human Rights and a master's student in Political Sciences.

Ana Mafra

Clinical and Community Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Biblical Studies. Specialist in THC. Doctoral student at South Florida Bible College (SFBC). Associate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and member of the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA). Community Outreach and Christian Counselor at CCCHeals. Recipient of the Chancellor Dr. Joseph Guadagnino Award for her contributions

Verônica Braga

For over 20 years in the USA, with 15 years of experience in the health insurance and life insurance sector.Veronica is a certified agent by the US Department of Health Insurance, healthcare.gov, and included in the “Circle of Champions” for four consecutive years, considered one of the most awarded Brazilian professionals in the US in the health and life insurance sector, with recognitions as Top Agent Broker by Oscar Elite Insurance, Marketing Director by PHP, and Woman of the Year by the Association of Women Entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Veronica is co-author of the best-seller “Negócios Sobre Saltos”. In recognition of her leadership, Veronica was honored in 2024 by Grupo Mídia América, receiving the ML C International Award on International Women's Day. This award celebrates the leadership and courage of women around the world, highlighting Veronica's efforts and dedication to empowering and protecting communities through health and life insurance. Rated 5.0 on Google by its customers, Veronica stands out for excellent service. She maintains her goal of helping more and more people and caring for families in a personalized and attentive way.

Cintia Meirelles de Azevedo

Cintia Meirelles de Azevedo is Brazil Director at The Exodus Road—an NGO—and founder of the Traffickwatch Brazil Academy. With a degree in Business Administration from Mackenzie University and a Masters in Intercultural Studies from Trinity University, USA, Cintia is also studying a Masters in Global Security from King’s College of London. Her consistent collaborations with federal and state agencies, international organizations, and NGOs exemplify her tireless dedication to combating organized crime, human trafficking, and smuggling. In her work at The Exodus Road, Cintia leads initiatives to combat human trafficking in Brazil, cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Federal Police, Civil Police, São Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP) and the Ministry of Justice. In collaboration with renowned organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and BPFRON (Batalhão de Policia de Fronteira), Cintia tackles the complex challenges of human trafficking, strengthening surveillance at borders and empowering security forces with advanced training and cutting-edge technology. Prior to her current position, Cintia contributed to refugee resettlement efforts with World Relief, assisting with the integration of refugees in the United States. During the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, she played a key role in adapting the American resettlement model for implementation in Brazil, in collaboration with UNHCR and the Brazilian government, focusing on the internalization of refugees in Brazilian territory.

Context and importance

Psychological and property violence in the domestic sphere, which is often invisible, urgently needs legal attention. This conference aims to debate the issue and propose an advance in the current domestic violence legislation in the state of Florida, having seen in our fieldwork the difficulties faced by victims seeking protection from this type of violence.

Focus on Legal Aid

The legislative suggestion aims to provide legal protection, giving victims the security they need to find legal support when they are victimized by this type of violence.

Orlando will be the setting where a new era of legal protection will be born. This Congress is not just about creating laws; it’s about transforming lives by ensuring that all women have legal protection against psychological violence. We count on everyone’s participation to shape this safer and fairer future together.

Planning

International Seminar on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and Domestic Violence.

General Objective: To debate and identify the intrinsic relationships between human trafficking, child sexual abuse and exploitation and domestic violence and the effects of these relationships on prevention, treatment and care for survivors, in the legal, judicial and repressive spheres, as well as the socio-economic impact of these crimes.

Specific Objectives:

  • Analyze the types of crimes under study;
  • Identify the intrinsic relationships between these crimes;
  • Identify the effects of these relationships on prevention;
  • Identify the impact of these relationships on health treatment and care for survivors;
  • Identify and debate the historical and cultural impact of such crimes on society;
  • Identify the consequences of these relationships in the legal, penal and police spheres;
  • Present, analyze and debate specific cases that have been wrongly classified to the detriment of the victims;
  • Demonstrate the psycho-emotional impact on the victims of the incorrect classification by the coercive authorities;
  • Demonstrate the social and economic impact of the incorrect classification of such crimes on the criminal justice system;
  • Analyze the progress and structural deficiencies of criminal legislation on these crimes;
  • Discuss specific training for public security professionals (police officers and detectives) who provide special assistance to victims of the crimes mentioned;
  • Discuss specific training for health and social care professionals in first aid and post-rescue care for survivors of the crimes in question;
  • Discuss the importance of responsible, organized and effective participation by civil society in preventing and combating these crimes;

Justification

Human trafficking and domestic violence represent manifestations of power and control, where survivors often face abuse perpetrated by people familiar or close to them. Such survivors are subjected to similar forms of abuse, including physical and sexual violence, isolation, restriction of movement, various threats, control of documents and finances, as well as threats related to the legal process, such as deportation or legal proceedings.

Few people voluntarily come to support institutions like the Hope & Justice Foundation identifying themselves as victims of human trafficking or domestic violence. Consequently, many of them are unaware of their legal rights, available protections and resources designed to help them in their healing process. Immigrant survivors face additional barriers to escaping situations of violence, such as language limitations, fear of the authorities, lack of knowledge about rights and laws, ignorance of available services, fear of deportation and cultural issues.

Despite the similarities, it is crucial to recognize the differences between domestic violence and human trafficking, especially in terms of their legal definitions. While human trafficking involves exploitation for profit, through coercion, fraud or force, domestic violence is characterized by patterns of abuse in intimate relationships. These different definitions require different responses and protections. In the case of human trafficking, protections are generally linked to victims cooperating with criminal investigations and prosecutions of their traffickers.

It is important to note that victims of human trafficking often face complex networks of abuse, where they can be “sold” repeatedly. On the other hand, the dynamics of domestic violence involve an unhealthy relationship between aggressors and victims, which can lead to extreme results, such as suicide. Data indicates that a large proportion of suicide cases begin in situations of domestic violence. Furthermore, human trafficking is more likely to exploit men than domestic violence.

A victim-centered approach is essential when dealing with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, adapting specifically to the needs and challenges faced by these particular victims.

Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Children and Young People:

The sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and young people are complex phenomena that are often described using different terms, such as commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), commercial sexual exploitation of young people (CSEY) and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). These terms are often used interchangeably to address the broader issue of sexual violence directed at individuals under the age of 18. However, it is important to note that there are fundamental distinctions that influence how these crimes are treated under state and federal law.

Sexual exploitation can cover a variety of crimes, including coercion or forcing children and young people to participate in sexual acts, production or distribution of pornography involving minors, street prostitution, online exploitation, stripping, erotic massages, telephone sex services, exploitation through family pimps or survival sex situations. Some of these crimes may involve financial transactions or the exchange of valuables between the perpetrator and the child or third parties. All of these acts exploit the imbalance of power between adults and children and are characterized as child abuse. Such practices are illegal and have significant impacts not only on the victims, but also on their families and the community as a whole.

Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Florida:

Sex trafficking and sexual exploitation represent a significant concern in the state of Florida. Its privileged geographic location, proximity to major seaports and the I-4 and I-95 highway corridors, coupled with the strong tourist appeal of cities like Miami and Orlando, known for their theme parks, beaches, convention centers and golf courses, contribute to making Florida a highly attractive location for exploiters and traffickers. This puts the state in third place in the ranking of states with the highest number of reported cases of human trafficking. Both urban and rural areas are affected, with victims being recruited in small towns and taken to large urban centers, while gang-related prostitution is prevalent in central urban areas.

Sexual violence is recognized as one of the most underreported crimes in America, making statistics on sexual exploitation and trafficking difficult to obtain due to low rates of reporting, detection and the silence motivated by fear and shame. It is important to note that child victims have been identified in all 50 US states. The US Department of Justice indicates that the average age of entry into prostitution is between 12 and 14, with underage girls representing the majority of victims in commercial sex markets, including pornography, stripping, escort services and prostitution.

Several factors increase children’s vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation, such as childhood sexual abuse, homelessness, inadequate parental or family supervision and exposure to domestic violence. The advent of the internet and the increased use of technology have contributed to more children being exploited in the sex trade. Pimps use the internet, text messages and digital cameras to organize meetings, making it more challenging to locate and rescue victims.

The Foundation

Hope & Justice Foundation

  • Nonprofit organization based in Orlando, Florida;
  • Mission: Combat human trafficking, domestic violence and child sexual exploitation through awareness, advocacy
    and support actions for victims;
  • Pioneering support for survivors of exploitative crimes in Florida;
  • Works with safe shelters, legal assistance, mental health and reintegration;
  • Promotes debates, training and legislative changes on topics.

The Event

Conference created to discuss advances in legislation against psychological and property violence in the context of domestic violence in Florida

It will bring together renowned experts from the legal, medical, social sciences and political fields

 

Information

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Date: November 20th to 22th, 2024
Time: 9am to 5 pm

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Location: Rollins College
Time:Rice Family Pavilion

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Capacity: 240 people per day

Goals

1

Promotes debates
From psychology, law, criminology, social work and health.

2

Present Date
And real cases to support legislative proposals and effective actions.

3

Bring experts together
And frontline professionals fighting these crimes.

4

Build proposals
For integrated action by authorities, legal/criminal system and civil society.

5

Develop Guidelines
For specialized training of public security, legal and health professionals.

Buy your ticket

First Day

EARLY BIRD
3 Days student ticket

3 days
regular ticket

1 Day student ticket

1 Day regular ticket

Second Day

EARLY BIRD
1 day student ticket

1 Day regular ticket

Third Day

EARLY BIRD
1 day student ticket

3 days
regular ticket

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Non profit Sponsors

Our Partners

Cooperation

Why Sponsors?

Unique opportunity for brands to position themselves alongside a cause of extreme social relevance and humanitarian impact.

By sponsoring, you demonstrate your commitment to defending human righis and expose your brand to a qualified audience of 240 people, including experts, authorities, opinion makers and engaged civil society.

Sponsorship Packages

Silver (2º lote)

Investment: $5,000.00

  • 4 conference tickets
  • Company logo on printed materials
  • Disclosure in the participants folder
  • Network with participants and speakers.
  • Gold

    Investment: $10,000.00
    All the benefits of Silver, plus:

  • Exhibition stand
  • Logo on the website and promotional materials
  • Speech at the opening ceremony
  • Access to participant data (subject to approval).
  • Platinum

    Investment: $15,000.00
    All the benefits of Gold and Silver, plus:

  • Mention as main sponsor
  • Increased logo prominence
  • VIP moment to speak to the public
  • Featured article in the conference magazine
  • Meet and greet VIP with an influencer
  • NGO Sponsorship

    NGO Sponsorship

    Investment: $300.00

  • 2 conference tickets
  • 1 table
  • Network with participants and speakers.
  • Meet Our Team

    Anna Alves-Lazaro

    President and
    Founder

    Patricia Martin

    Vice-president and

    Counseling Coordinator

    Acilina Candeia

    H&J President – João Pessoa

    Luciana Mazzaro

    Event and Marketing Advisors and Coordinators

    Bianca Toledo

    Chaplaincy Coordinator

    Janine Closs

    Events coordinator

    Priscylla Carvalho

    Medical Department

    Coordinator

    Jô Maria Silva

    Advisor to the Finance and Accounting Department

    Clávia Elliott

    Clávia Elliott

    Counseling Department

    Flavio Duncan

    Board Advisor

    Flavia Salum

    Department of Study and Research

    Karlla Marinho

    Press Advisor

    Thalyta Oliveira

    Project architect

    Diana Maria

    Comercial

    Celso Fortes

    Advisor

    Roseana Souza

    Diana Campos

    Renata Moreira Alves

    Patrícia Pereira

    Marcelle Lyra

    Adhara Campos

    Advisors and Coordinators of the Department of Scientific Studies and Research

    Context and importance

    Psychological and property violence in the domestic sphere, which is often invisible, urgently needs legal attention. This conference aims to debate the issue and propose an advance in the current domestic violence legislation in the state of Florida, having seen in our fieldwork the difficulties faced by victims seeking protection from this type of violence.

    Focus on Legal Aid

    The legislative suggestion aims to provide legal protection, giving victims the security they need to find legal support when they are victimized by this type of violence.

    Orlando will be the setting where a new era of legal protection will be born. This Congress is not just about creating laws; it’s about transforming lives by ensuring that all women have legal protection against psychological violence. We count on everyone’s participation to shape this safer and fairer future together.

    Official Human X Tourism Agency

    Since 1981, Florida Tourism has been playing a vital role in the travel industry, not only providing exceptional travel experiences but also committing to social causes that make a difference. As the official travel agency of the Hope & Justice Foundation, Florida Tourism shares our mission to promote social justice.

    By choosing Florida Tourism for your travels, you are directly contributing to the strengthening of the Hope & Justice Foundation. Part of the value of your tickets and travel packages is allocated to funding our projects and initiatives, helping us to continue our work.

    Every trip purchased with Florida Tourism is an opportunity to make a difference in the world. In addition to exploring new destinations with a trusted agency and long-standing tradition, you will also be supporting a noble cause. Together, we can achieve even more, providing hope and justice for those in need.

    Be part of this transformative journey. Travel with Florida Tourism and strengthen the Hope & Justice Foundation!

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